Editor’s note: The Daily’s editorial department acknowledges that this article is premised on a conflict of interest. This article is a special feature for Commencement 2025 that does not represent the Daily’s standard journalistic practices.
From sledding down Prez Lawn on laundry basket lids to running half-marathons with friends, Ian Lau, a graduating senior and a former photo and science executive for the Daily, has had what can only be described as a whirlwind four years filled with lifelong friends, supportive communities and unforgettable memories. Now, about to graduate with a degree in biology and biotechnology, he can confidently say that coming to Tufts was one of the best decisions he’s ever made.
But it wasn’t always that easy, especially in the beginning. Transitioning into college can be quite a bit of an adjustment.
“I think I came to college quite guarded, in a sense, in the way that I was not ready to open myself up yet to the idea of the college experience, living independently and engaging with all these different school communities,” Lau said.
But gradually, through his classes, extracurricular experiences and community involvement, Lau was able to slowly find a home at Tufts. In particular, the Daily was one of the first organizations he joined where he felt like he belonged.
“[The Daily] was a pretty integral part of my extracurricular [undergraduate] experience,” Lau said. “The photo section [was] a good, low barrier way for me to just get involved … and it was really fun.”
Going into his second semester, Lau’s involvement at the Daily continued to grow. Under the encouragement of Alex Viveros (LA’22), former editor-in-chief and section founder, he joined the newly budding Science section. But, even more importantly than rediscovering his interest in writing and scientific journalism, Lau found a small place of belonging.
From going on ice skating trips to bonding with STEM and non-STEM majors alike, Lau’s time as executive science editor was one of building community and encouraging up-and-coming writers to shine.
“Those experiences early on … gave me a lot of confidence in terms of what I could do going forward,” Lau said. “It taught me journalism, but also how to build community, how to be a good leader, set an example and how to show up when needed.”
To Lau, the Daily was the place where he found his confidence, not just in writing but also in mentorship.
“Another really important, gratifying part of the whole experience is also seeing the science members, or the photo members who join your section … grow and get more involved with the Daily,” he said.
With that newfound confidence, Lau also found himself expanding beyond the Daily toward other Tufts communities, including discovering the vibrant, supportive programs at the Asian American Center.
“You meet people from so many different walks of life,” he said. “[When I] joined the Asian American Center, that really opened up my world view, or perspective, of what the Asian American identity can be and what it means for me.”
In addition to becoming a mentor for incoming students with the center’s Peer Leader Program, Lau also found new confidants and friends alike within the program.
“Joining as a mentor was not only important for inwards reflection and learning, but also that I got to meet so many other upperclassmen and mentors for myself who then introduced me to other communities that I’m now a part of still at Tufts,” he said.
Looking to the future, Lau is hoping to pursue a path that reflects his undergraduate experiences of building community and nurturing connections.
“At the center of a lot of these experiences has been having and fostering these intimate relationships with people,” he said. “The biggest thing for me has been pursuing interests that don’t even necessarily have to align with my academic interests but more so [with] personal values and what is rewarding and gratifying.”
Perhaps healthcare?
“Caretaking has been pretty important to me in different senses of the word,” he mused.
Or maybe journalism?
“For me, something that’s shown up throughout undergrad is how important the power of words [is] and how you articulate them in writing,” he said.
Ultimately, though, his goal will always be to help support others.
“Regardless of what profession I’m doing in the future, something that’s front of mind for me is … to prioritize who it is we’re communicating information or ideas to and how it’ll benefit them,” he said.
For the incoming class of Jumbos eyeing college with a jumbled mix of excitement and trepidation, Lau offered some tips to jump-start their journey.
“Remain persistent, and if there’s something you really want to do or go for or want to pursue and you’re interested in, just go for it,” he said. “College is the best time you have for that.”
As for the rest of us, Lau leaves us with some parting words of wisdom to take to heart.
“Be confident in yourself, take risks and give yourself a little bit of grace,” he said. “Sometimes, you just need a little reminder that you are human too.”
